I am often asked what it is like to be a Mixed Martial Arts fighter.
There is a great deal of intrigue as to what it means to call yourself a 'professional athlete' of a fledgling sport- particularly in a conservative state like Utah.
How do people treat you, and how is it you are able to make a living? Well, we took the liberty of having a budding Utah MMA star, chronicle his daily routine, in order to give us a peak inside of his day.
I followed this fighter and wrote his thoughts and feelings down for him in hopes the reader will be able to glean some information as to what it is like to be a 'professional' fighter.
I hope you find this article as informative, as I did.
For clarification to the reader, the following words are mine, written on behalf of the fighter.
I wake up in the morning and get ready to head out for my daily jog.
Visions of 'Rocky' movies flash through my mind as I drink my protein shake.
Not quite the glass of raw eggs Rocky Balboa drank, but it sets the tone for a long day of training.
A day that falls on the heels of another long day of training.
In fact, we are on day 22 of 60.
An eight-week training camp, preparing for another fight inside the cage.
A fight can last mere seconds if things go as planned, or a grueling 25 minutes if the fight goes the distance.
We always prepare for both, and everything in between.
We size up our opponent, analyze his weaknesses and seek ways to finish the fight.
Sometimes that strategy is to look for 'quick kills'.
Others, a weakness is exposed as the fight progresses.
Either way, our training regiment is based upon a script.
A recipe for success, if you will.
If plan A doesn't work, Plan B must be easily implemented.
Then Plan C, and so on.
Fighting is a physical chess match.
For every attack, there is a counter.
For every counter, there is a logical response.
Sometimes, game planning is a matter of swaying from the logical, and finding weakness in your opponent's inability to do the same.
Day 22 begins much like the 21 days preceding it, aside from the fact that things progressively get more intense as you progress toward fight night.
I prepare for all fights as though it were a UFC fight.
If I don't get into that mindset, I will never make it onto the grandest stage of them all, the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
As for now, it's Utah MMA-a well-respected area due to the quality of fighters.
Utah Mixed Martial Arts is a hotbed for good fighters, and fight gyms.
Many of them have blazed the trail for me, as it's much easier to get noticed by UFC scouts when they know you come from an area they have had success with in the past.
Notable UFC fighters like Court McGee, Josh Burkman, Demarques Johnson, and Steve Siler all hail from the Beehive State.
I am lucky to be a part of the Utah Mixed Martial Arts community.
The morning jog is not really for conditioning as much as it is to set the tone for the day.
Jogging is a great way to prepare for a jogging match.
It will do little for you inside the cage.
It helps get the blood flowing, and allows for some meditation in the morning, preparing your mind for a long day of real preparation.
After the 3-mile jaunt (One that will become 5 miles before all is said and done), it's time for breakfast.
Calorie counting becomes a big part of your day, as a healthy weight-cut is vital for success.
Fruit and oatmeal are on the menu this morning.
Portions are small, but feel like good fuel for the day.
It is amazing how in tune you become with your body when you are putting it through the paces.
You can actually feel how your body responds to the fuel you feed it when the training rounds get tough.
Today's breakfast will be burnt in the weight room.
Before heading to the weight room, it's time to work the phone lines for potential sponsors.
To be a professional fighter, it must be treated like a profession.
Putting in an 8-hour day, is what professionals do.
Since your body can only endure so much training, time spent increasing your profile, and pounding the pavement for sponsors is a necessary part of calling yourself a professional fighter.
I've got some good leads, and want to drop off some promotional material this morning.
Giving a potential sponsor one of my walk-in T-shirts will hopefully make them feel like part of my team.
I took the liberty of having a screen printer emblazon their logo on it, so they can see how much exposure they will get by sponsoring me.
I have already discussed particulars with them, I just want to keep them emotionally invested in me.
My call to see if they were in the office this morning was a success.
I will head toward their office, but figure a couple cold-calls would be a productive use of my time before they would be available to meet with me.
I stop by the Marine, Army, and Navy recruiting offices.
I've been told by the Air Force, they frown upon the fight game.
Aside from that, I have no preference, but strongly believe the armed forces would be a hand-in-glove fit for me.
I keep my nose clean, don't get into trouble, and attract fans of similar ilk.
These are just the people military recruiters are looking for, and the demographic that follows me certainly fit into their target market.
The Marine recruiters recognized me as I walked through the door.
They are fans! That's a great start.
I told them I wanted to help them find recruits.
I was well received by the Marines.
They said they would arrange for a meeting with their superiors.
Dealing with the government is always such a pain, but my foot was in the door.
The Army and Navy were not as enthusiastic.
The Army said they were tight on budget, and the Navy just couldn't quite see how sponsoring me would result in more recruits.
I told them both I would type up a proposal, demonstrating the benefits, and headed to my new potential sponsor's office.
I kept it brief, as he was obviously very busy.
He seemed to really like the t-shirt, and promised he would get back to me later in the week.
I thanked him for his time, and made sure to let him know I was on my way to make myself the best fighter I could be to represent his company inside the cage.
A power training circuit is what my trainer has on the agenda for this morning.
It's time to get to work.
After a quick warm-up, the insanity began.
Before I knew it, my heart was pounding out of my chest, and I was sweating profusely.
My coach was yelling words of encouragement that frankly fell on deaf ears.
All I could think was that I wished he would get out of my face.
His breath bore the stench of morning, and he obviously has missed a few workouts himself.
He is teetering on being overweight, but you could see evidence that he once was an athlete.
It is obvious he knows what he is talking about, but the fatigued brain conjures up thoughts like this.
It tries to give you reasons to quit.
Blaming my coach for not being in peak physical condition seems to be the excuse of the day.
Ultimately, I was able to put those thoughts to rest, and push through what was an exceptionally difficult training session.
It's Thursday, and there are only two more days until I get a day off.
Sundays are for rest and recuperation.
Sunday is still two days away, however.
Time to get back to work.
After a quick shower, and a tuna fish sandwich, it's time for some Jiu Jitsu training.
It's 1:00 in the afternoon, and my Jiu Jitsu coach can only train during his lunch hour.
I have to meet him at his office, where he has some mats stored away in the basement.
We drill for about 45 minutes, then roll for another 15.
It was an uneventful session.
We pretty much know what I want to do on the ground, and repetition can be a bit tedious, but I know I will be able to execute my ground game in my sleep.
I'm pretty sure I still can't even come close to legitimately tapping my instructor, but he lets me anyway.
He gives up position, then I am usually able to make the most of it.
I'm pretty sure if he didn't let me get superior position, I wouldn't have much chance getting there.
I can't wait until I am that good.
I'm headed home for a quick nap, and a small snack.
I always watch whatever film I have on my opponent before taking my nap.
I tell myself it allows me to break him down subconsciously while I sleep.
I don't know if there is any truth to that, but it doesn't hurt.
It's now getting to be evening time, and I head to my MMA gym.
I always help my trainer teach his beginner classes.
It is the best way I know of repaying him for his time invested in me, and I have learned a ton through teaching others.
Plus, the students are my biggest fans, and I love to interact with them.
After teaching class, it's time to get down to business.
My teammates have arrived at the gym, and you can tell they are looking forward to a physical sparring session.
There is an unspoken understanding between us that if they don't give me their all, they are shortchanging me.
I will need those hard-fought rounds in order to succeed on fight night.
My trainer has discussed what we expect out of my opponent, and my teammates try their best to emulate him.
When it starts to get down and dirty, they always fall back on their own fight styles.
I know these guys, and they know me.
My coach has to remind us to stick to the game plan, and even has to tell us to tone it down after one heated exchange.
In the end, we all agreed it was a good training session.
It may sound strange, but this is how we show each other love.
We punch each other in the face.
A fighter understands those words.
Anyone else would call you crazy.
I know the harder they push me, the better teammate they are.
Anyone who tells you fighting is an individual sport is wrong.
It is a team effort, and unless you are fighting for a team, you are just brawling.
Being a part of a team, and being beholden to your teammates for your acts and deeds, is what makes this sport noble.
Knowing that you are letting your teammates down if you don't give it 100% is often what helps get you through training sessions.
I truly love these guys, and I KNOW the feeling is mutual.
They are some of the top Mixed Martial Artists in Utah, and it is a privilege to train with them.
I will win for them.
I MUST win for them.
If I don't give it my all, I wouldn't be able to face them.
They are here bleeding and sweating FOR ME.
I have done the same for them.
We spend time away from our families to allow another man punch you in the face.
That, in and of itself, builds a camaraderie that is unmatched.
That hug you see a fighter give to another fighter is more real than any other.
It is a recognition of the sacrifices the other has made, and a true appreciation of their efforts.
After our sparring session, we all give each other that hug, and part ways.
It's time to sit down with my trainer.
He is truly a pioneer of Utah Mixed Martial Arts.
He's been around since the beginning, and has seen many top Utah Mixed Martial Arts fighters come through his gym.
He helps me in so many ways.
As a fighter, ticket sales are important.
He and his wife help me sell tickets to my fight.
I get paid a percentage of my ticket sales, so this helps a lot.
(Hopefully, one day, I will make it to the UFC, and I won't have to worry about ticket sales.
It's a necessary evil, but one I would prefer not to have to worry about.
) We also review curriculum for the beginner class, and ultimately finish off the night reviewing strategy for my fight.
He has the round times out into 15-second increments.
It is completely scripted, with contingencies for every possibility.
Obviously we know the mayhem that ensues once the fight begins, but we want to dictate the action as much as possible.
By the time I leave the gym, I am exhausted.
It's dark outside, and it feels like time for bed.
When I get home, I drink another shake.
Just like the one I started the day with.
I read a book about Dan Gable, one of my heroes.
He has always been an inspiration to me.
I like to read inspirational stories before going to bed.
I always wake up charged and ready to hit it hard the next day.
Day 23 on my road to be at the top of the Utah MMA scene will require that I give it my all.
I am ready.
Eric Wahlin is among a long line of Utah MMA athletes that have climbed from the ranks of Utah MMA star to the national stage.
Mixed Martial Arts is more than a sport, it's a lifestyle.
Hopefully this article will enlighten some young athletes contemplating a jump into the cage as to what it is REALLY like to call yourself a PROFESSIONAL Mixed Martial Arts fighter.
Of course, one day does not paint the entire picture, but what lessons can be drawn form Eric's story for a budding Mixed Martial Artist? Here are my TOP TEN: 1.
If you are going to call yourself a 'professional fighter, that means you put in a full days work.
2.
There is much more to the business end of being a professional than meets the eye.
3.
Relationships are everything.
From trainers, to sponsors, to your fan base, nurturing relationships is of great value to budding fighters.
4.
Your character, demeanor, and level of professionalism can pay dividends in many ways.
Promoters want to book you.
Sponsors want to sponsor you.
Fans want to purchase tickets from you.
5.
Hard work is essential.
There are no shortcuts to the top.
6.
Team mates can be a tremendous source of support, and although MMA is an individual sport, having a solid team behind you can be HUGE.
7.
Healthy sleep and eating habits are vital to success.
8.
While a fight may appear chaotic and hectic, game planning and strategy are important.
9.
There is far more to training than just punching and kicking.
Strength and endurance training are essential.
10.
Being a fighter is not exactly a glamorous profession.
I hope this helps young fighters make the decision whether or not they wish to pursue a career in Mixed Martial Arts.
There is a great deal of intrigue as to what it means to call yourself a 'professional athlete' of a fledgling sport- particularly in a conservative state like Utah.
How do people treat you, and how is it you are able to make a living? Well, we took the liberty of having a budding Utah MMA star, chronicle his daily routine, in order to give us a peak inside of his day.
I followed this fighter and wrote his thoughts and feelings down for him in hopes the reader will be able to glean some information as to what it is like to be a 'professional' fighter.
I hope you find this article as informative, as I did.
For clarification to the reader, the following words are mine, written on behalf of the fighter.
I wake up in the morning and get ready to head out for my daily jog.
Visions of 'Rocky' movies flash through my mind as I drink my protein shake.
Not quite the glass of raw eggs Rocky Balboa drank, but it sets the tone for a long day of training.
A day that falls on the heels of another long day of training.
In fact, we are on day 22 of 60.
An eight-week training camp, preparing for another fight inside the cage.
A fight can last mere seconds if things go as planned, or a grueling 25 minutes if the fight goes the distance.
We always prepare for both, and everything in between.
We size up our opponent, analyze his weaknesses and seek ways to finish the fight.
Sometimes that strategy is to look for 'quick kills'.
Others, a weakness is exposed as the fight progresses.
Either way, our training regiment is based upon a script.
A recipe for success, if you will.
If plan A doesn't work, Plan B must be easily implemented.
Then Plan C, and so on.
Fighting is a physical chess match.
For every attack, there is a counter.
For every counter, there is a logical response.
Sometimes, game planning is a matter of swaying from the logical, and finding weakness in your opponent's inability to do the same.
Day 22 begins much like the 21 days preceding it, aside from the fact that things progressively get more intense as you progress toward fight night.
I prepare for all fights as though it were a UFC fight.
If I don't get into that mindset, I will never make it onto the grandest stage of them all, the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
As for now, it's Utah MMA-a well-respected area due to the quality of fighters.
Utah Mixed Martial Arts is a hotbed for good fighters, and fight gyms.
Many of them have blazed the trail for me, as it's much easier to get noticed by UFC scouts when they know you come from an area they have had success with in the past.
Notable UFC fighters like Court McGee, Josh Burkman, Demarques Johnson, and Steve Siler all hail from the Beehive State.
I am lucky to be a part of the Utah Mixed Martial Arts community.
The morning jog is not really for conditioning as much as it is to set the tone for the day.
Jogging is a great way to prepare for a jogging match.
It will do little for you inside the cage.
It helps get the blood flowing, and allows for some meditation in the morning, preparing your mind for a long day of real preparation.
After the 3-mile jaunt (One that will become 5 miles before all is said and done), it's time for breakfast.
Calorie counting becomes a big part of your day, as a healthy weight-cut is vital for success.
Fruit and oatmeal are on the menu this morning.
Portions are small, but feel like good fuel for the day.
It is amazing how in tune you become with your body when you are putting it through the paces.
You can actually feel how your body responds to the fuel you feed it when the training rounds get tough.
Today's breakfast will be burnt in the weight room.
Before heading to the weight room, it's time to work the phone lines for potential sponsors.
To be a professional fighter, it must be treated like a profession.
Putting in an 8-hour day, is what professionals do.
Since your body can only endure so much training, time spent increasing your profile, and pounding the pavement for sponsors is a necessary part of calling yourself a professional fighter.
I've got some good leads, and want to drop off some promotional material this morning.
Giving a potential sponsor one of my walk-in T-shirts will hopefully make them feel like part of my team.
I took the liberty of having a screen printer emblazon their logo on it, so they can see how much exposure they will get by sponsoring me.
I have already discussed particulars with them, I just want to keep them emotionally invested in me.
My call to see if they were in the office this morning was a success.
I will head toward their office, but figure a couple cold-calls would be a productive use of my time before they would be available to meet with me.
I stop by the Marine, Army, and Navy recruiting offices.
I've been told by the Air Force, they frown upon the fight game.
Aside from that, I have no preference, but strongly believe the armed forces would be a hand-in-glove fit for me.
I keep my nose clean, don't get into trouble, and attract fans of similar ilk.
These are just the people military recruiters are looking for, and the demographic that follows me certainly fit into their target market.
The Marine recruiters recognized me as I walked through the door.
They are fans! That's a great start.
I told them I wanted to help them find recruits.
I was well received by the Marines.
They said they would arrange for a meeting with their superiors.
Dealing with the government is always such a pain, but my foot was in the door.
The Army and Navy were not as enthusiastic.
The Army said they were tight on budget, and the Navy just couldn't quite see how sponsoring me would result in more recruits.
I told them both I would type up a proposal, demonstrating the benefits, and headed to my new potential sponsor's office.
I kept it brief, as he was obviously very busy.
He seemed to really like the t-shirt, and promised he would get back to me later in the week.
I thanked him for his time, and made sure to let him know I was on my way to make myself the best fighter I could be to represent his company inside the cage.
A power training circuit is what my trainer has on the agenda for this morning.
It's time to get to work.
After a quick warm-up, the insanity began.
Before I knew it, my heart was pounding out of my chest, and I was sweating profusely.
My coach was yelling words of encouragement that frankly fell on deaf ears.
All I could think was that I wished he would get out of my face.
His breath bore the stench of morning, and he obviously has missed a few workouts himself.
He is teetering on being overweight, but you could see evidence that he once was an athlete.
It is obvious he knows what he is talking about, but the fatigued brain conjures up thoughts like this.
It tries to give you reasons to quit.
Blaming my coach for not being in peak physical condition seems to be the excuse of the day.
Ultimately, I was able to put those thoughts to rest, and push through what was an exceptionally difficult training session.
It's Thursday, and there are only two more days until I get a day off.
Sundays are for rest and recuperation.
Sunday is still two days away, however.
Time to get back to work.
After a quick shower, and a tuna fish sandwich, it's time for some Jiu Jitsu training.
It's 1:00 in the afternoon, and my Jiu Jitsu coach can only train during his lunch hour.
I have to meet him at his office, where he has some mats stored away in the basement.
We drill for about 45 minutes, then roll for another 15.
It was an uneventful session.
We pretty much know what I want to do on the ground, and repetition can be a bit tedious, but I know I will be able to execute my ground game in my sleep.
I'm pretty sure I still can't even come close to legitimately tapping my instructor, but he lets me anyway.
He gives up position, then I am usually able to make the most of it.
I'm pretty sure if he didn't let me get superior position, I wouldn't have much chance getting there.
I can't wait until I am that good.
I'm headed home for a quick nap, and a small snack.
I always watch whatever film I have on my opponent before taking my nap.
I tell myself it allows me to break him down subconsciously while I sleep.
I don't know if there is any truth to that, but it doesn't hurt.
It's now getting to be evening time, and I head to my MMA gym.
I always help my trainer teach his beginner classes.
It is the best way I know of repaying him for his time invested in me, and I have learned a ton through teaching others.
Plus, the students are my biggest fans, and I love to interact with them.
After teaching class, it's time to get down to business.
My teammates have arrived at the gym, and you can tell they are looking forward to a physical sparring session.
There is an unspoken understanding between us that if they don't give me their all, they are shortchanging me.
I will need those hard-fought rounds in order to succeed on fight night.
My trainer has discussed what we expect out of my opponent, and my teammates try their best to emulate him.
When it starts to get down and dirty, they always fall back on their own fight styles.
I know these guys, and they know me.
My coach has to remind us to stick to the game plan, and even has to tell us to tone it down after one heated exchange.
In the end, we all agreed it was a good training session.
It may sound strange, but this is how we show each other love.
We punch each other in the face.
A fighter understands those words.
Anyone else would call you crazy.
I know the harder they push me, the better teammate they are.
Anyone who tells you fighting is an individual sport is wrong.
It is a team effort, and unless you are fighting for a team, you are just brawling.
Being a part of a team, and being beholden to your teammates for your acts and deeds, is what makes this sport noble.
Knowing that you are letting your teammates down if you don't give it 100% is often what helps get you through training sessions.
I truly love these guys, and I KNOW the feeling is mutual.
They are some of the top Mixed Martial Artists in Utah, and it is a privilege to train with them.
I will win for them.
I MUST win for them.
If I don't give it my all, I wouldn't be able to face them.
They are here bleeding and sweating FOR ME.
I have done the same for them.
We spend time away from our families to allow another man punch you in the face.
That, in and of itself, builds a camaraderie that is unmatched.
That hug you see a fighter give to another fighter is more real than any other.
It is a recognition of the sacrifices the other has made, and a true appreciation of their efforts.
After our sparring session, we all give each other that hug, and part ways.
It's time to sit down with my trainer.
He is truly a pioneer of Utah Mixed Martial Arts.
He's been around since the beginning, and has seen many top Utah Mixed Martial Arts fighters come through his gym.
He helps me in so many ways.
As a fighter, ticket sales are important.
He and his wife help me sell tickets to my fight.
I get paid a percentage of my ticket sales, so this helps a lot.
(Hopefully, one day, I will make it to the UFC, and I won't have to worry about ticket sales.
It's a necessary evil, but one I would prefer not to have to worry about.
) We also review curriculum for the beginner class, and ultimately finish off the night reviewing strategy for my fight.
He has the round times out into 15-second increments.
It is completely scripted, with contingencies for every possibility.
Obviously we know the mayhem that ensues once the fight begins, but we want to dictate the action as much as possible.
By the time I leave the gym, I am exhausted.
It's dark outside, and it feels like time for bed.
When I get home, I drink another shake.
Just like the one I started the day with.
I read a book about Dan Gable, one of my heroes.
He has always been an inspiration to me.
I like to read inspirational stories before going to bed.
I always wake up charged and ready to hit it hard the next day.
Day 23 on my road to be at the top of the Utah MMA scene will require that I give it my all.
I am ready.
Eric Wahlin is among a long line of Utah MMA athletes that have climbed from the ranks of Utah MMA star to the national stage.
Mixed Martial Arts is more than a sport, it's a lifestyle.
Hopefully this article will enlighten some young athletes contemplating a jump into the cage as to what it is REALLY like to call yourself a PROFESSIONAL Mixed Martial Arts fighter.
Of course, one day does not paint the entire picture, but what lessons can be drawn form Eric's story for a budding Mixed Martial Artist? Here are my TOP TEN: 1.
If you are going to call yourself a 'professional fighter, that means you put in a full days work.
2.
There is much more to the business end of being a professional than meets the eye.
3.
Relationships are everything.
From trainers, to sponsors, to your fan base, nurturing relationships is of great value to budding fighters.
4.
Your character, demeanor, and level of professionalism can pay dividends in many ways.
Promoters want to book you.
Sponsors want to sponsor you.
Fans want to purchase tickets from you.
5.
Hard work is essential.
There are no shortcuts to the top.
6.
Team mates can be a tremendous source of support, and although MMA is an individual sport, having a solid team behind you can be HUGE.
7.
Healthy sleep and eating habits are vital to success.
8.
While a fight may appear chaotic and hectic, game planning and strategy are important.
9.
There is far more to training than just punching and kicking.
Strength and endurance training are essential.
10.
Being a fighter is not exactly a glamorous profession.
I hope this helps young fighters make the decision whether or not they wish to pursue a career in Mixed Martial Arts.
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